Jordan's King Abdullah II tours Machu Picchu

Jordan's King Abdullah II toured Peru's fabled Machu Picchu, an Inca citadel high in the Andes, the official Andina news agency reported. The monarch, dressed casually in a grey polo shirt, dark sunglasses, khaki trousers and blue and white sneakers, was surrounded by a security team of about 10 agents and Peruvian police, the report said. He was in Peru for the Summit of South American and Arab countries, or ASPA, which starts on Monday. The forum brings together 22 Arab countries and 12 South American nations on the initiative of former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. More than 2,000 visitors, including heads of state and industry leaders, were due in Lima for the summit. Participants include King Abdullah II, Qatar's Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and the presidents of Tunisia and Lebanon. The presidents of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Paraguay also were expected. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who is in a tight re-election race, was not taking part, but his country will be represented by Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro. Peru's President Ollanta Humala declared Monday and Tuesday national holidays to help handle the influx of visitors.